Judge Not

Meditation

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

(Matthew 7:1-2)

The truth is, no one has the right to judge anyone else because everyone is guilty of something. When we judge someone, we are pronouncing guilt and eternal punishment upon someone, we are actually trying to take God’s place. That being said, we are not being judgmental when we point out someone’s sin? Especially if their worldview has no concept of eternal consequences. However, we should make sure we are speaking words of loving compassion and not with an accusing, holier than thou attitude and a finger pointing in their face. We wouldn’t want to be treated like that and no one else does either.

It’s amazing how so many people have this verse as the sum-total of everything they care to know about Christianity. They believe if their sins are pointed out, even the ones that have recently become socially acceptable, they are being judged. Then terms such as misogynistic, homophobic, racist, bigot, or hypocrite start getting thrown around. I confess, I don’t like having my shortcomings pointed out, but if I examine myself, and find truth in what’s being told to me, I appreciate being able to change my behavior. I’m thankful for the people who were

If you walk up to someone and yell, “You’re a sinner and you’re going to hell!” How do you think they’re going to respond? I think you know. I was treated like that once and it drove me further from Christ than I was before. They were telling me the truth, but they didn’t convince me to repent. I stubbornly retreated into my sinful behavior. I think I actually secretly knew they were right, but their attitude was so unloving I didn’t want any part of their religion. If you have no other relationship with someone steeped in sin other than the one who points out their sin, then they’re just going to hate you and the God you claim to serve. If we lovingly help them understand that their behavior has eternal consequences, they’re more likely to be convinced.

The measure we use, whether it’s loving or hateful will be used with us when we stand before the Lord. However, I think the Lord is giving us a subtle warning not to bother judging each other. Christian comedian, Mark Lowry is quoted as saying, “Love the sinner, hate the sin?  How about: Love the sinner, hate your own sin!"  I don’t have time to hate your sin.  There are too many of you!  Hating my sin is a full-time job.  How about you hate your sin, I’ll hate my sin and let’s just love each other!” I agree with Mark, I’m sure God does too.

Prayer Time

Lord of heaven and earth, you are the only authentic and trustworthy judge in all of Creation. Only you know the hearts of the people you created. When we judge others, we are really trying to usurp your legitimacy. Instead, help us to look upon the failings of others with a sympathetic eye. Remind us that, but for your grace in saving us, we would still be just like them. You have given us the responsibility, as Christ followers, to warn others that their behavior or lifestyle is not acceptable to you. However, if they reject our warning and we condemn them, we will also bring your judgment down upon us. You have commissioned us, as Christians, to lovingly spread the good news of Jesus Christ to every unsaved person we meet. Judgment rests solely in your domain, Father God, not the created beings that inhabit this sinful world. Thank you, Lord, for always forgiving the sins we lay before you. Never let us forget from where we’ve come, and how loathsome we were before you rescued us from the darkness we were in. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen!